- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 26 Sep, 2025
Who is Raul Garcia de Haro and why he matters now
At 24, Raul Garcia de Haro has become Osasuna's go‑to striker. Standing at 1.92 m, the tall forward mixes aerial dominance with decent movement around the box. In the current season he’s featured in most of the club’s line‑ups, logging over 2,300 minutes and finding the net nine times in La Liga.
His video‑game rating – a 73 in EA FC 26 – reflects a player who’s solid but not flashy. He rates three stars for his weak foot and skill moves, meaning he can improvise when the ball lands on his left foot, but his real strength lies in heading and holding up play. Those traits are why Osasuna often parks the ball near him for knock‑downs and set‑piece routines.
The upcoming meeting with Elche on 25 September arrives at a pivotal moment. Osasuna sit comfortably mid‑table and need points to stay clear of the relegation battle. Garcia de Haro’s role as the focal point of attack means any goal he scores directly improves the club’s chances of climbing higher.
Betting markets and what makes the two‑goal line so steep
Bookmakers have built a range of prop bets around his scoring chances. The most eye‑catching line is the ‘two‑goal brace’ offered at +2500. In plain terms, a $100 stake would return $2,600 if the Spaniard nets twice.
- Anytime goal scorer – odds sit around +120, reflecting confidence he’ll get on the scoresheet at least once.
- First‑to‑score – typically +300, rewarding bettors who think he’ll open the tally.
- Both‑teams‑to‑score – a separate market where his involvement raises its odds from +150 to about +180.
Why is the brace market priced so high? Elche’s defense, while leaky against smaller forwards, has limited success against tall, physical strikers. They concede an average of 1.4 goals per game but have kept a clean sheet in 27 % of matches when facing a target man. However, Osasuna’s overall goal output this season hovers around 1.2 per game, and Garcia de Haro has only once scored a double in his La Liga career, making the two‑goal feat statistically rare.
Sharp bettors will look at a mix of factors before backing the high‑payoff line:
- Recent form – He scored in three of his last five appearances, including a header against Girona.
- Set‑piece frequency – Osasuna averages 5.2 corners per match, giving him ample chances to use his height.
- Elche’s aerial defence – Their center‑backs win 58 % of aerial duels, slightly below league average, suggesting a slight edge for Garcia de Haro.
- Game tempo – The match kicks off at 12:30 pm CDT, a slot that historically sees more open play and fewer defensive substitutions.
Another angle is the ‘over/under 2.5 goals’ market, currently priced at even money. If bettors anticipate an open game, taking the over with Garcia de Haro as a catalyst can be a safer play than the outright brace.
From a tactical standpoint, Osasuna’s coach often deploys a 4‑2‑3‑1, with the striker holding the ball high and allowing wingers to cut inside. This system creates space for late runs into the box, exactly the type of movement where Garcia de Haro thrives. When combined with a set‑piece routine that targets his head, the odds of at least one goal rise sharply.
For anyone weighing the brace, the key is to monitor line‑up announcements. If Osasuna starts with a lone striker and backs him with a robust midfield, the probability of a second‑half tap‑in climbs. Conversely, if he’s paired with a second forward, the ball may be spread thinner, lowering his chances of a double.
In summary, the +2500 price tag reflects a blend of statistical rarity and betting market skepticism. Yet, when you stack his aerial prowess, recent scoring run, and a game that favors open play, the proposition becomes more than just a long‑shot – it’s a calculated risk that seasoned punters might find enticing.